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Accident today

Cross Over Collision on I-10 Near 16th Street

09/11/14 - A wreck that severely injured motorists has shut down the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 near downtown Phoenix Thursday morning.

The collision occurred shortly after 11 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-10 near 16th Street, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

An Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman said an eastbound vehicle crossed the median into the westbound lanes and hit another vehicle head-on.

Initial reports indicated that a U-Haul truck was involved in the wreck and that its driver fled the scene with the vehicle sustaining minor damage to the right side, said Officer Carrick Cook of DPS.

Transportation officials closed the ramp from the southbound lanes of State Route 51 to the westbound lanes of I-10 at about noon. The westbound lanes of I-10 and Loop 202 were closed all together at the "ministack" at about 12:10 p.m.

Transportation officials recommended drivers avoid the area by accessing the northbound lanes of Interstate 17 through the split interchange by the airport.

Traffic cameras showed cars slowly moving through the area in the HOV and two additional lanes, but three lanes completely blocked and the 16th Street exit closed.

Within minutes of the wreck, traffic was backed up past 32nd Street, and transportation officials warned drivers to expect long delays as they travel through the area.